Sectional door structure



April 7, 1959 E. L. STROUP SECTIONAL DOOR STRUCTURE 2 Sheets-Sheet 1Filed Jan. 15, 1957 INVENTOR. far/ A Sf/04%? fl Z'Z'ORNEK April 1959 E.L. STRDUP 2,880,796

SECTIONAL. DOOR STRUCTURE Filed Jan. 15, 1957 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 jiyfilHINVENTOR. Far/ A. J/rmf ATTORNEY X 2,880,796 Ice Patented Apr- 7, 195.9

SECTIONAL noon STRUCTURE Earl L. Stroup, Hartford City, Ind., assignorto Overhead Door Corporation, Hartford City, Ind.

Application January 15, 1957, Serial No. 634,270

9 Claims. (Cl. 160-232) This invention relates to sectional doors orclosures and particularly to the upwardly acting type.

The main objects of this invention are:

First, to provide a sectional door or closure structure of the upwardlyacting type in which both the inner and outer sides of the door aresubstantially smooth when the door is in closed position or the sectionsin planar relation to each other.

Second, to provide a sectional door in which the top and bottom ormeeting rails of the sections are formed of extruded aluminum andconstitute hinged connections for the sections.

Third, to provide a sectional door or closure which is relatively lightweight and at the same time is strong and rigid, and is effectivelyinsulated.

Fourth, to provide a sectional closure in which the meeting rails of thesections are provided with integral co-engaging hinge elements whichpermit the ready engagement and at the same time swinging through asubstantial are without disengagement.

Objects relating to details and economies of the invention will appearfrom the description to follow. The invention is defined and pointed outin the claims.

A preferred embodiment of the invention is illustrated in theaccompanying drawing, in which:

Fig. 1 is a fragmentary elevational inside view of an upwardly actingdoor structure embodying my invention.

Fig. 2 is an enlarged fragmentary view in section on a linecorresponding to line 22 of Fig. 1.

Fig. 3 is a fragmentary perspective view of a pair of adjacent doorsections.

Fig. 4 is a fragmentary view illustrating one of the track engagingrollers in its relation to the sections and the meeting rails thereof.

Fig. 5' is a fragmentary exploded view of the parts of one of the doorsections.

Fig. 6 is a fragmentary perspective view illustrating the manner ofengaging the hinge elements of a pair of adjacent sections, a trackengaging roller spindle being shown in section. I

Fig. 7 is a fragmentary sectional view on a line corresponding to line7-7 of Fig. 1.

Fig. 8 is a fragmentary view on a line corresponding to line 88 of Fig.1.

Fig. 9 is a fragmentary view illustrating a modified form of trackengaging spindle support.

I have illustrated my invention as embodied in an upwardly acting doorof the sectional type, 1 representing a door frame, 2 tracks of inwardlyfacing channel section, and 3 the supporting brackets therefor. Thehorizontal portions 4 of the track are conventionally illustrated. Theupright portions of the track are desirably inclined inwardly, as isillustrated in Fig. 7. It will be understood that these details of thetrack and their relation to the door frame are old in the art, and oneof the objects of my present invention is to provide a door structurewhich is adapted to be used with tracks having inclined uprightportions. V

The embodiment of my invention illustrated comprises a plurality ofintermediate door sections 5, a bottom section 6, and a top section 7.The bottom rail 8 of the bottom section and the top rail 9 of the topsection are not illustrated in detail, but they may be of channelsection and do not require hinge elements. The intermediate sections,designated generallyby the numeral 5, are provided with top rails 10 andbottom rails 11, those illustrated being formed of extruded aluminum orother metal capable of being extruded.

The top rail 10 comprises a hollow body member 12 of rectangular sectionand has downwardly projecting panel engaging flanges 13 on its edges.The body member 12 also has an upwardly projecting rib-like transverselycurved hinge knuckle 14 on its inner edge and desirably extending thefull length thereof. It also has a flangelike hinge element 15, thecurved face 16 of which is con: centric to the curved surface of theknuckle member 14. The hinge element 15 is spaced to provide a hingesocket of curved section. Adjacent to the hinge knuckle 14 and spacedfrom its outer edge, the rail 10 is provided with a flange-like bafflemember 17.

The bottom rail 11 comprises a bar-like body portion 18 having panelengaging flanges 19 projecting upwardly from the edges thereof. The rail11 has a downwardly projecting flange-like portion 20 on its inner edgeterminating in a curved hinge element 21 disposed in the hinge socket ofthe rail 10 in supported engagement with the knuckle hinge element 14.The rail 11 also has a downwardly projecting flange 22 of inwardlyfacing angled section which rests upon the top of the rail 10 when thedoor sections are in aligned or planar relation, as is shown in Figs. 2and 3 at the outer side of the baflle member 17.

The stiles 23 are of inwardly facing channel section, their ends beingnotched at 24 to receive the flanges of the rails 10 and 11. The panelwalls 25 are desirably of relatively thin sheet metal or plastic and aredisposed with their side edges between the panel receiving flanges ofthe rails and their end edges within the stiles, as is clearly shown inFigs. 2 and 3. The panels include a filler 27 of insulating materialdesirably in sheet-like form. With the parts thus formed, the hingeelements of the section may be quickly engaged in assembling the door,and they are retained in hinging relation throughout a very substantialswinging arc.

In Fig. 6, I illustrate the manner of engaging and dis engaging thesections. Doors embodying this structure provide effective insulation.The baffles 17 not only constitute reinforcing elements, but they alsoserve to minimize or reduce the passage of air between the sectlons. Thehinge connection also provides a closed joint preventing the directpassage of substantial amounts of air between the sections.

The top rails are provided with bearings 28 for'the spindles 39 of thetrack-engaging rollers 30.- The bearings 28 are supported by theblock-like holders 29 inserted in the ends of the body member 12. InFigs. 2 and 3, I illustrate that the bearings may be so positioned inthe holders 29 as to support the rollers in proper relation tocompensate for the inclination of the inclined upright portions of thetrack so that the door closes against the jamb or door frame when inclosed position. The spindle supports 31 may be substituted for thespindle supports 29. The supports 31 are provided with opposed ribs 32with which the spindle bearing 33 may be selectively engaged to properlylocate the spindle to compensate for the inclination of the track.

It will be noted that both the inner and outer sides of the door arewithout substantial-projections or are substantially smooth. This isdesirable for doors used in various relations, for example, in trailersand the like in which loads are quite likely to shift against the door,

and if there are projections, prevent the opening of the door or atleast make it difiicult to open. There are many other relations wherethis elimination of projections is a desirable feature.

I have illustrated and described my invention in a highly practicalembodiment thereof. I have not illustrated other embodiments oradaptations to other types of closures, as it is believed that thisinvention will enablethose skilled in the art to embody or adapt myinvention as may be desired.

Having thus described the invention, what is claimed to be new and isdesiredto secure by Letters Patent is:

1. A closure of the class described including a plurality of hingedlyconnected sections comprising top and bottom rails having opposed panelsupporting flanges on their edges, the top rail comprising a rectangularhollow body member having an upwardly projecting transverse- 'ly curvedrib-like hinge knuckle element on its inner edge, and a curved flangelike hinge element disposed inwardly of and spaced from said knuckleelement and coacting therewith to provide a transversely curved socket,the bottom rail comprising a bar like body member having a downwardlyprojecting flange like member at its inner edge terminating in atransversely curved hinge element engaged with the socket of the toprail of an adjacent lower section and in supported bearing engagementwith the hinge knuckle thereof, said bottom rail having a flange at itsouter edge sealing on the top rail of an adjacent lower section, and apanel comprising end stiles of inwardly facing channel section disposedbetween said panel supporting flanges of said rails, panel side wallsdisposed within said panel supporting flanges of said rails and saidstiles, and filler material within said panel walls, and block-likepintle bearing supports disposed in said top rails and provided withpintle bearings.

2. A closure of the class described including a plurality of hingedlyconnected sections comprising top and bottom rails having opposed panelsupporting flanges on their edges, the top rail comprising a body memberhaving an upwardly projecting transversely curved rib like hinge knuckleelement on its inner edge, and a curved flange like hinge elementdisposed inwardly of and spaced from said knuckle element and coactingtherewith to provide a transversely curved socket, and bottom railcomprising a body member having a downwardly projecting flange likemember at its inner edge terminating in a transversely curved hingeelement engaged with the socket of the top rail of an adjacent lowersection and in supported bearing engagement with the hinge knucklethereof, said'bottom rail having a flange at its outer edge sealing onthe top rail of an adjacent lower section, and a panel comprising endstiles of inwardly facing channel section disposed between said panelsupporting flanges of said rails, panels side walls disposed within saidpanel supporting flanges of said rails and said stiles, and fillermaterial within said panel walls.

3. A closure of the class described including a plurality of hingedlyconnected sections comprising top and bottom rails having opposed panelsupporting flanges on their edges, the top rail comprising a body memberhaving an upwardly projecting transversely curved rib like hinge knuckleelement on its inner edge, and a curved flange like hinge elementdisposed inwardly of and spaced from said knuckle element and coactingtherewith to'provide a transversely curved'socket, said top rail alsohaving an upwardly projecting flange like bafl le spaced inwardly fromthe outer edge thereof, the bottom rail comprising a body member havinga downwardly projecting flange like member at its inner edge terminatingin a transversely curved hinge element engaged with the socket of thetop rail of an adjacent lower section and in supported bearingengagement with the hinge knuckle thereof, said bottom rail having aflange at its outer edge sealing on the top, rail of an adjacent lowersection d at the outer side of the baffle thereof when the sections arealigned, and a panel comprising end stiles of inwardly facing channelsection disposed between said panel supporting flanges of said rails,panel side walls disposed within said panel supporting flanges of saidrails and said stiles, and filler material within said panel walls.

4. A closure of the class described including a plurality of hingedlyconnected sections provided with top and bottom rails of extruded metal,the -top rail comprising a body member having an upwardly projectingtransversely curved rib-like hinge knuckle element on its inner edge,and a curved flange like hinge element disposed inwardly of and spacedfrom-said knuckle element and coacting therewith to provide atransversely curved socket, said top rail also having an upwardlyprojecting flangelike baflle spaced inwardly from the outer edgethereof, the bottom rail comprising a body member having a downwardlyprojecting flange like member at its inner edge terminating in atransversely curved .hinge element engaged in the socket of the top railof an adjacent lower section and in supported bearing engagement withthe hinge knuckle thereof and in lateral thrust sustaining engagementwith said flange-like hinge element of said first rail, said bottom railhaving a flange at .its outer edge seating on the top rail of anadjacent lower section at the outer side of the baflle thereof when thesections are aligned. V

5. A closure of the class described including a plurality of hingedlyconnected sections provided with hingedly engaged meeting rails, one ofsaid rails comprising a body member having a projecting transverselycurved rib-like hinge knuckle element on its inner edge, and a curvedflange-like hinge element disposed inwardly of and spaced from saidknuckle element and coacting therewith to provide a transversely curvedsocket, said rail also having a projecting flange-like baffle spacedinwardly from the outer edge thereof, the other rail comprising a bodymember having a flange-like transversely curved hinge element engaged insaid socket of the first named rail in bearing engagement with the hingeknuckle thereof and in lateral thrust sustaining engagement with saidflange-like hinge element of said first rail, said second named railhaving a flange at its outer edge seating on the opposed rail at theouter side of the bafile thereof when the sections are aligned.

6. A multiple section closure hinge comprising a first rail and a secondrail of extruded metal adapted for attachment to adjacent edges of theclosure sections and constituting the meeting rails therefor, the firstrail comprising a body member having a projecting transversely curvedrib-like hinge knuckle element on its inner edge, and a curvedflange-like hinge element disposed inwardly of and spaced from saidknuckle element and coact' ing therewith to provide ;a transverselycurved socket, thesecond rail comprising (a body member :having .aprojecting flange-like member at its linner edge terminating in atransversely curved hinge element oscillatingly engaged with the socketof the first rail in thrust bearing engagement with the hinge knucklethereof and .in lateral thrust sustaining engagement with saidflange-like hinge element of said first rail, the second rail having aportion at its outer edge in supporting engagement with the first railwhen the hinges are in closed position.

7. A multiple section closure hinge comprising a first rail and a secondrail adapted for attachment to adjacent sections to constitute a partthereof and constituting the meeting rails therefor, the first =railcomprising a body member having a projecting rib like hinge *knuckleelement, and a curved flange .like hinge element disposed inwardly ofand spaced from said knuckle element and coacting therewith to provide atransversely curved socket, the second rail comprising a body-memberhaving a projecting transversely curved flange like hinge elementoscillatingly disposed in the socket :of the first rail while in thrustbearing engagement with the hingeknuckle thereof and in lateral thrustsustaining engagement with said flange-like hinge element of said firstrail, the second rail having a portion at its outer edge in supportingengagement with the first rail when the hinges are in closed position.

8. An upwardly acting door assembly including a plurality of hingedlyconnected sections comprising elongated top and bottom rails ofgenerally rectangular section and having opposed panel supportingflanges on their side edges, side panels disposed on the inner sides ofsaid flanges and fixedly secured thereto, the top rails having upwardlyprojecting transversely curved rib like hinge knuckles on their inneredges and curved flange like hinge elements disposed inwardly of andspaced from said knuckle element and coacting therewith to providetransversely curved sockets concentric with said hinge knuckles, thebottom rails having downwardly projecting flange like hinge knuckleengaging members on their inner side transversely curved to fittinglyengage said sockets of the top rails in swingably supported bearingengagement with the hinge knuckles thereof, one of the rails of acoacting pair having a longitudinal flange on its outer edgesupportingly engaging the other rail of the pair when the sections arepositioned in alignment and acting to limit the outward swing of thesections relative to each other in aligned position.

9. An upwardly acting door assembly including a plurality of hingedlyconnected sections comprising elongated top and bottom rails and panelssupportingly connected thereto, the top rails having upwardly projectingtransversely curved rib like hinge knuckles on their inner edges andcurved flange like hinge elements disposed inwardly of and spaced fromsaid knuckle element and coacting therewith to provide transverselycurved sockets concentric with said hinge knuckles, the bottom railshaving downwardly projecting flange like hinge knuckle engaging memberson their inner side transversely curved to fittingly engage said socketsof the top rails in swingably supported bearing engagement with thehinge knuckles thereof, one of the rails of a coacting pair having alongitudinal flange supportingly engaging the other rail of the pairwhen the sections are positioned in alignment and acting to limit theoutward swing of the sections relative to each other in alignedposition.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS Re.23,045 Peremi et al. Oct. 19, 1948 2,136,729 Stahl Nov. 15, 19382,793,690 Stroup May 28, 1957 FOREIGN PATENTS 505,101 Canada July 26,1946

